Professional programs must be accredited to international standards, says minister - Education News PNG

In the government’s push and commitment to developing human resources, all tertiary institutes are being urged to upgrade their programs to international standards.
Acting Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (HERST), Don Polye, called on tertiary institutes to upgrade themselves to be on par with the global market demands.

He said institutes face closure if they fail to upgrade. He added that they must also audit and accredit their courses, in five year intervals starting next year, to be on par with global labor market demands.

He said professional programs like engineering courses should be accredited to international standards like the Washington Accord or Sydney Accord etc., in order for the industry to be market driven.

The minister said students are more attuned and aware of global trends through internet and social media like Facebook. They are now more conscious of what they are missing out in terms of course programs and quality.

He also urged Vice Chancellors to take into account the rapid advent of information technology and develop quality human resources compatible with the global market and international standards.

The minister has also directed the Director General of the Office of Higher Education (OHE), Professor David Kavanamur, to take the necessary steps in accrediting professional programs.

About Me

Committed to making a real difference by leading positive change in higher education.

For over 10 years
from 1993-2004, I worked in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean
in the field of environmental and sustainable development policy, and
environmental economics. My research interest is the role of technology and private business in the development of countries.

As an academic I have 17 peer review publications in various humanities and social sciences disciplines, supervised 5 PhD students and 18 Masters thesis.

As a consultant I worked as head of the environmental
studies department of SIDE, S.A. a consultancy company with
office in Mexico City, San José, and Lima I worked closely together
with many government organizations and private companies. For the World Bank’s Economic Development Institute I carried out two regional studies on sustainable development policies. For the European Commission I wrote one report on corporate social responsiblity, and one on the green economy for the European External Action Service.

Currently, I am Vice-Chancellor or Chief Executive Officer of the Papua New Guinea University of Papua New Guinea, in Lae.